Despite Government's Efforts to Persuade with '5 Trillion Investment'... Medical Community Says "Solve Staffing Issues First"

"Everything Depends on the Government's Hands"

After the government announced that it will invest about 5 trillion won from next year until 2030 to improve the conditions of medical education, the medical community urged that the conflict between the medical sector and the government caused by the increase in medical school admissions should be resolved first.

Lee Jong-tae, chairman of the Korea Association of Medical Colleges and Medical Schools (KAMC), pointed out, "While investing in medical schools for the future training of doctors could be positive in a situation without conflicts between the medical sector and the government, isn't this a follow-up measure to the increase in medical school admissions? The issue of the increase, which is currently the biggest conflict, must be resolved first."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He added, "Everything depends on the government," and said, "Only if the government adopts a more progressive attitude and does not limit the agenda can a consultative body involving the ruling and opposition parties, the medical sector, and the government be formed."

Earlier that day, the Ministry of Education held a briefing at the Government Seoul Office with related ministries and announced the 'Investment Plan to Improve Medical Education Conditions.' The government revealed plans to invest more than about 5 trillion won of national funds by 2030 to improve the conditions of medical education.